ENJOY THE ARTS IN STYLE AS AN ARTFEST FORT MYERS VIP
Production
Stephen
Elizabeth
Sales
Margo Williams
Becky Pruitt
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Accounting and Sales Support
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
3. Set small goals – for example, you could try going to the gym two to three times per week and doing home exercise one to two days per week.
4. Track your progress – a wearable fitness tracker can help you stay motivated.
5. Get enough sleep – Try to go to bed and wake up at consistent times each day to keep your circadian rhythm on track.
THE HALLS HAVE BEEN DECKED…
Here are the real-life elves who did so much work on our clubhouse to make it look so festive and nice. We thank them for their time, their energy, and dedication.
6. Make realistic goals –if you haven’t exercised in years, don’t try to train for a marathon right away.
7. Celebrate your milestones – break your goals in smaller steps and reward yourself for each one.
8. Don’t let perfection be the enemy of good – try making one or two small changes at a time.
They did a specular job and all of our members are raving about it! We want to wish all of you a very happy, healthy Holiday Season.
Travis Raque
Director of Racquets at The Club at Gateway
RACQUET SPORTS NEWS
NINE TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL GAME
- Play loose, relax the arm and body.
Be sure to scan the body for tension. When you feel yourself playing tight, try focusing on relaxing the wrist first, that tends to help relax the entire arm, which translates into overall looseness. When you feel particularly nervous or tight, try shrugging your shoulders tensely with a deep breath then drop them and exhale. Remember how much power is generated by swing speed versus when you are attempting to “muscle the ball.”
- Act confident, use positive body language even when you are feeling down on yourself. If you start acting the part even when you’re not feeling great, you are more likely to feel what you’re acting.
- Stay grounded, bend your knees, and play from an athletic position.
Nick Bollerteri, the famous former tennis coach of Andre Agassi said, “Good things happen to players who bend their knees!” Remember that power comes from the legs so be sure to “stay with your shot” long enough (think “one thousand one”).
- Keep your head still. Think about Federer or Ben Johns and notice the way their head stays still and relaxed upon impact.
- Keep your racquet or paddle speed up and don’t push the ball.
When things aren’t clicking, most people’s tendency is to “push the ball.” Instead, you should think about generating more spin and accelerating through the shot.
- Breathe!
Breathing is critical to rhythm and to eliminating tension in the body and mind.
- Embrace the good mistakes.
Go easy on yourself (and your partner) when things are not going perfect. Give yourself credit for “good mistakes” that are helping you move in the right direction.
- During points, “Watch the ball, move your feet, and trust your swing.”
Focus on intention – where you want to place the ball – not on stroke mechanics.
- Be grateful!
Remember to be grateful for your ability to be healthy enough to play the game you love. Put things in perspective and have fun.
We encourage you to become a member. Our members get the benefit of learning from a professional staff, building upon their skills while getting to spend quality time with other racquet and paddle enthusiasts. For more information or a tour, please contact Reba at (239) 561-1012.
Director of Golf at The Club at Gateway
A GOLF TIP
One of the most overlooked aspects of putting is maintaining consistent speed . It’s easy to focus on line and aim, but speed is what ultimately determines whether your putt drops.
When you’re lining up your putt, focus on how fast the ball needs to travel to get to the hole.
THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
The members at The Club at Gateway have been very generous with providing local children with a wonderful Christmas. The club has partnered with A.N.A.’s Friends, also known as Guardian Ad Litem Foundation for many years. They oversee
Imagine a clock face around the hole. Visualize a line from the hole to your ball, and imagine how fast the ball should roll to get there. Practice that feel in your stroke, aiming for a steady, rhythmic pace—rather than trying to force it. Consistent speed will help you with both short putts and long ones.
Professional golfers often say, “The hole is the target, but the speed is the secret.” Focus on smooth acceleration through the ball, and you’ll notice your consistency improving.
and collect gifts for the abandoned, abused or neglected children in Lee County.
As always, our members have gone above and beyond for this very special cause and it makes the spirit of the season even brighter. Thanks to all who participated!
GOLF COURSE NEWS
We’re excited to announce the grand reopening of The Club at Gateway! After extensive renovations, our course is better than ever. The newly upgraded greens are smooth and fast, and our fairways are lush and perfectly manicured. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, you’ll love the changes we’ve made!
We’re thrilled to announce that our Performance Center is officially open and already a hit with our members! If you’re looking to improve your swing or get a custom club fitting, our state-of-the-art facility has
everything you need to elevate your game.
We invite you to come experience it for yourself. Book a fitting or lesson today in our pro shop and see how we can help you take your game to the next level.
Join us as we embark on an exciting new chapter at The Club at Gateway. Become a member today and experience all that our club has to offer. We can’t wait to see you out on the course!
See you at the club!
Best,
Gyles Robin, Director of Golf
Gateway Women’s Club
JANICE EATON, LAUREL BORGIA, MARIANNE KOLLASCH AND DONNA MARCHETTI
GATEWAY WOMEN’S CLUB, BRADY VOGT, AND FORT MYERS – GLADIOLUS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD STEPHANIE MENA
Brady Vogt brought smiles to members of Gateway Women’s Club (GWC) as he rekindled the almost forgotten times when Fort Myers was known as the Gladiolus Capital of the World. In the 1930s gladiolus growers got the most production out of their acres. The warm climate and many days of bright sunshine created the perfect growing environment. They could plant the bulbs year-round.
BRADY VOGT, AUTHOR, HISTORIAN, AND FORMER GROWER OF GLADIOLUSES AND CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
Vogt graduated from Florida State University in 1971. His first job was as a crime reporter for The News-Press. His attention turned to a nursery career that spanned nearly 50 years. In 1975 he started working in the gladiolus and chrysanthemum industry. Vogt was a grower and manager of a 60-acre nursery. He shared with the Gateway Women several memories of the general history of rural Lee County, personal anecdotes and interesting facts about the times, authors and all things Florida.
Later in his career, Vogt came to work as a crew manager at the Edison-Ford Winter Garden Estates. He became a consulting horticulturist and volunteer. Vogt donated to the estates some 600 Florida gardening, horticulture and landscaping books that were incorporated into their research library.
Vogt is the former owner of Everglades Fine Books and owns a large collection of Florida-themed books,
CHARLOTTE STEWART, PRESIDENT OF GWC; BRADY VOGT; AND DEBRA STEPHANO, PROGRAM COORDINATOR
having one of the largest collections of fine antiquity and collectors’ books anywhere in this country. In 2000, he published a fictional novel based on those heady days in the flower fields called Gladiolus Drive. Location is everything for growers. Fort Myers has the most year-round sunny days of any Florida city. Gladiolus Drive earned its name as tribute to the expansive fields of gladiolus farms that once grew along this route. Gladiolus growers employed hundreds of workers caring for 2,500 acres of flowers. Millions of stems were delivered each year to florists around the world. This industry grew smaller in the 1990s to the mid-2000s when government regulations changed, and available agricultural acreage dropped off as more profitable land developers brought new homes to the area. Today gladioluses are grown around the world including Mexico and South Africa.
Brady Vogt does book and library appraisals for single books or collections. For more details, visit his site at www.bradysbooks@aol.com.
BOOK CLUB
BARBARA HANLIN
The GWC Book Club will be meeting at 7 p.m. on January 14. Co-hostess will be Becky Stover and Barbara Nicholson as the discussion leader. The group’s chosen book is a Florida selection, Hoot by Carl Hiaasen. Hoot is a mystery/adventure set in South Florida concerning the endangered burrowing owls. The story takes place in Florida, where new arrival Roy makes two oddball
friends and a bad enemy. Roy joins an effort to stop construction of a pancake house which would destroy a colony of burrowing owls who live on the site. The book won a Newbery Honor award in 2003.
Please contact Barb Hanlin if you would like more information. Barb’s information is in the Gateway Women’s Club Directory.
BRIDGE
LAUREL BORGIA
Bridge 101 will meet January 7 and 21 at Hampton Park Amenity Center at 10 a.m. Please contact Susie Kravetz by phone or email (her information is in the GWC Directory), to let her know if you are attending. The group needs a number count and names of attendees so you can get in the gate. They welcome anyone who plays bridge.
DINING OUT
SUSAN ROBERTS
Gateway Women’s Club’s Dining Out group recently enjoyed fine Italian dining at La Fontanella in Fort Myers. Tucked away in a small strip mall off Daniels on Winkler, La Fontanella is a hidden gem with its fabulous food, superb service, and attractive atmosphere.
It was no surprise to the Gateway Women’s Club diners that La Fontanella is a local favorite spot. Walking into the restaurant is reminiscent of a scene from Cheers, and fitting of the show’s memorable lyrics: “Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name
And they’re always glad you came.”
La Fontanella exceeded all expectations. The ambiance of La Fontanella is smart and stylish, but unpretentious. La Fontanella’s warm and inviting vibe, along with its friendly and professional service provides diners with an unforgettable, exceptional culinary experience. The restaurant’s private dining room nicely accommodated the 36 members and guests from Gateway Women’s Club. Every morsel of food, from appetizer to dessert is worth savoring one bite at a time and is complemented
by a wide selection of fine wines. As owners Jamie and Natalie Stalowski explain, “We pride ourselves in serving authentic, from-scratch Italian dishes made only from the freshest, highest quality ingredients.”
The highest compliment a diner can offer a restaurant is to return. The Stalowskis look forward to serving their many repeat customers, noting, “It is always our pleasure to serve you.” Among the repeat customers will be Gateway Women’s Club diners, who are eager to return to La Fontanella for many more memorable dining experiences.
BOB AND DEBRA STEPHANO, KEN FREDA AND STEPHEN DRISCOLL
DOMINICK AND DONNA MARCHETTI
DONNA AND BOB THAYER
JOANN AND STEPHEN MONTALBANO
JOYCE DIVIRGILIUS AND LYNN LEWIS
NORMA AND ARNOLD BARR
AND
SIT AND STITCH
ELEANOR STUART
The next Sit and Stitch meeting will be hosted by Frances Brewer on January 13 at 1 p.m. Please contact Frances if you plan to attend. Her information can be found in the GWC Directory. The group includes many GWC members working on different projects. The members are still working on projects for Hospice and scarves for college-attending students who were in foster care. Any GWC member is welcome to join.
ELEANOR STUART, LOUIS SMITH, ALEXIS ROOSA, MARYANN SCHMIDT, AND BOB THAYER
RANDY STUART, DEBRA ROGGOW, RUSSELL SCHMIDT, STEPHEN DRISCOLL, KEN FREDA, AND DEBRA STEPHANO
KATIE, RICHARD
SHARYL TUTELA
ROBIN AND STEVE CONNOLLY
CAROL AND GARY BROWN
KATHY AND JEFF FABISIAK
BILL AND DEBBIE WOOD
GATEWAY GALS ON THE GO
SHARON DESROSIERS
Twenty attendees of Gateway Women’s Club recently gathered at the Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve East in North Fort Myers. The weather was perfect for exploring the trails of a nicely maintained park. The preserve provides paved parking, picnic and restroom facilities, and is pet-friendly. There are three trails of different lengths, some at ground level and some with sections of boardwalk.
(STANDING) SHARON DESROSIERS, VALERIE EMERSON, ELSIE RIVARD, PATTI STEPHENS, MIMI ROSSI, SANTA BERTHELSON, MARYANN GEORGE, ANN DYNIEWICZ, BARBARA COFFEY. (KNEELING) BOBBI KINKADE, COLLEEN COYER, MARY DESILVA
All the marked trails were dry and there were no annoying mosquitos. The ladies split into groups and went off on the different trails. Everyone could proceed at their own pace. Some crossed paths and did more than one trail. Signs along the way helped them to identify different plants and trees. Those with plant apps on their phones helped them identify even more. Some intrepid explorers finished the marked trails and went on to explore the more primitive trails looking for a view of the Caloosahatchee. They had to turn back due to wet conditions but vowed to return
in the dry season. After all that exercise, some of the group gathered at the picnic tables
to chat, and others went on to dine out. All seemed satisfied with their walk in the woods.
VALERIE EMERSON, MIMI ROSSI, SANTA BERTHELSON, PATTI STEPHENS
SANTA BERTHELSON AND ELSIE RIVARD
SPECIAL EVENT
KATHY FLAHERTY
On Sunday, November 24, Mary Mills, Mimi Rossi, Gail Kedrus, Noreen Jediny, and Kathy Flaherty went to appreciate the Sand Sculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach. There were 18 magnificent sand designs made by different sculptors. Besides walking around and enjoying the sand sculptures, there were many different vendors. The ladies enjoyed walking on the beach and checking out the vendors while appreciating the sand sculpture. The weather was perfect for this activity, and they had a wonderful time.
MARY MILLS, NOREEN JEDINY, MIMI ROSSI, GAIL KEDRUS, KATHY FLAHERTY
Experience ArtFest as a VIP
As a VIP, receive VIP Perks & FREE Parking ALL weekend!
CELEBRATION
OF LEGACY
FEBRUARY 1 & 2
OPENING NIGHT
JANUARY 31, 6pm
Caloosa Sound Convention Center
Edwards & Monroe St. | Downtown Fort Myers To
Opening Night is FREE for everyone
Enjoy and purchase some of the best artwork exhibited anywhere in Florida!
Downtown waterfront is the setting to sneak preview 60 fabulous artists
Food & Entertainment
Support the arts in this gathering of art connoisseurs just like you and enjoy all the benefits of being a VIP.
VIP Club on Opening Night, Friday, January 31
Overlooking the downtown waterfront and glorious sunset
– VIP seating at Symphony of the Sound Concert
– Gourmet hors d’oeuvres from fine local restaurants
– Wine and beer
– 60 fabulous artists
VIP Club Saturday & Sunday, February 1 & 2
– Light Brunch with grazing stations and bottomless mimosas
– All Day Beverage Bar with wine, beer, soda and water
– 200 fabulous artists
VIP Club ticket holders will also have access to VIP seating at Symphony on the Sound
A free concert performance by
$135 per person | Become a VIP today!
Whispers Of God…
DR. MARK P. GONZALES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ROYAL PALM ASSOCIATION OF CHURCHES, SBC
OUR BLESSED NATION
The depth of God’s blessings on our country is on my heart this month with the upcoming inauguration of a new administration, a hopefully peaceful transition, but also the painful shadow of the very rare chaotic transition of four years ago. And that’s why I am thinking this is a good time to remind ourselves of our country’s history of blessings from above. So let’s start with this reminder and overview on the subject from the heart of Abraham Lincoln as I mentioned last time.
“We have been the recipient of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nations have ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own (search Religious Humanism; Humanist Manifesto 1).”
Choicest bounties of Heaven. I love that humble phrase as Lincoln was fully aware that all that we have is ultimately a gift from above. He is the One who has given us life in our mother’s womb, birth, family, relatives, friends, churches, schools, food, shelter, clothing, education, businesses, stores, jobs of all types, capabilities, talents, opportunities, and an extraordinary freedom in our country to take advantage of them. Not that it’s easy. But God even allows and uses the challenges, limitations, and inequities that we will indeed face (due to the sometimes poor use of “free will” on our part and others) to strengthen us and draw us closer to Himself. “When the winds blow strong, the roots grow deep.” Wow. And if you sometimes doubt our land of opportunity, do yourself a big favor and chat with a few folks who have legally immigrated here to the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Preserved
in Peace and Prosperity. The United States has been remarkably preserved in the big picture through centuries of global wars, invasions, and attacks in comparison with so many other countries around the
world. Are there pockets of violence, poverty and injustice? Of course. Jesus clearly said as much as He reminded His followers that violence (as in Roman occupation) and the poor will always be among us, even as He urged them to reach out and help them as an expression of His love, and that He will always be with us in the midst of any kind of tribulation. American good will, mission work and humanitarianism is huge around the world. Just ask them. As for prosperity, though we have our challenges like every other country, we have so much available to us it’s hard to know where to start, so let me just give you one example that stuns me every time I go there. Our local supermarket. Row upon row upon row of literally tons of far more food types than most global residents can imagine. Even we have a hard time realizing this degree of prosperity. Next time you’re there, count all the types of beans you can buy. Really. Wow! And do you know how many times the banana bin is filled? I asked. Over 40 times a day! Crazy! We are blessed beyond measure.
Growth in Numbers, Wealth and Power. I am running out
of space so let me sum up this line from Lincoln’s quote by saying there is a reason why so many people are desperately trying to immigrate to our country. We have a stunning history of flourishing with blessings from above, even with a host of challenges and tragedies throughout our history as well. Of course we are not a perfect country, and that’s because none of us are perfect people. But
we have a perfect God who has blessed us bountifully in our faithful founding, but as Lincoln noted, we are drifting into a spirit of taking credit for it by our own efforts apart from God. It doesn’t work that way, my friends. God is always in
the mix as our faithfulness and unfaithfulness are always in the mix as well. And He adjusts and withholds much of His blessings accordingly. In short, the New Year is a great time to take a deep breath, take a good look up, and be grateful for the God of all mercies and grace.
Grateful for His Grace with you, Pastor Mark
Articles, videos and podcasts: markpg.org. Write and share at mark@quillpress.org . Hear me every Saturday, 8 a.m. on 91.5 FM.
Enjoy The Arts In Style As An ArtFest Fort Myers VIP
Relax in comfort and style in the VIP Club the first weekend of February and enjoy three days of exclusive benefits and convenient reserved parking just steps from the art festival.
VIP Club has a spectacular location in the Caloosa Sound Event Center in the heart of the art festival.
On Friday evening, January 31, join us in the VIP Club for the Opening Night Silver Anniversary Party and enjoy culinary delights from some of our area’s finest restaurants, dessert tower by Publix, champagne tower, wine, and beer. Bruno’s of Brooklyn, The Standard, Sunqu Delights
Of Peru, The Pawnbroker, So Eventful and more serving up yummy appetizers!
The evening includes the opportunity to shop at 65 of the festival artists seeing the best-ofthe-best art options. Enjoy frontrow seats at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater for Symphony on the Sound, an exceptional Pops Concert by Gulf Coast Symphony from 7:15 to 8 p.m.
On Saturday and Sunday, enjoy a light brunch with grazing stations from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and bottomless mimosas. VIP Club members can stop by anytime for snacks and beverages including wine, beer, coffee.
THE VIP CLUB IS $135 PER PERSON. YOUR TICKET
INCLUDES 3 DAYS OF PERKS:
• Reserved parking all weekend just steps from the art festival
• Exclusive access to VIP Club indoor and outdoor areas all weekend
• Wine, beer, soda, and water all weekend
• Access to the Friday Opening Night Party, featuring samplings from some of our area’s finest restaurants, champagne and dessert towers, wine, and beer
• Friday Night Preview of festival artist booths
• VIP Club seating at the Symphony on the Sound Concert Friday night featuring Gulf Coast Symphony from 7:15 to 8 p.m. at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater
• Saturday and Sunday light brunch and afternoon snacks
• Private restrooms
ArtFest Fort Myers Founder, Sharon McAllister, welcomes everyone to an artful weekend. “Can you believe 2025 is the art festival’s 25th Anniversary? After 25 years of leading the art festival I look forward to this event every year. The arts change life for the better and are so important to our community in Southwest Florida.” Sharon continued, “I am proud to be a part of this nationally award-winning art festival.”
ArtFest Fort Myers, the annual juried art festival, takes place January 31, February 1 and 2 in the downtown Fort Myers along the riverfront. Join the experience with over 200 professional artists from across the county and around the world; the largest high school art exhibit and competition in south Florida, Chalk Block street painting, great food, diverse entertainment on the Publix Community Stage and free interactive art experiences for children of all ages.
Join ArtFest Fort Myers VIP Club at ArtFestFortMyers.com and click on VIP Club button or call (239) 768-3602.
FAST FACTS
WHAT
Southwest Florida’s premier art festival featuring over 200 national artists, high school art competition, street chalk art competition, children’s art activities, fine food and entertainment
WHEN
February 1 and 2, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. January 31, Friday, Opening Night, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE
Downtown Fort Myers along the riverfront on Edwards Drive
VIP CLUB
$135 per person; ArtFestFortMyers. com and click on VIP Club for tickets
COST
FREE general admission to the art festival
PARKING
VIP Club reserved parking at intersection of Monroe Street and First Street.
General parking in lots adjacent to festival, street parking and city garages. Look for bright event parking signs and flags. Trolleys available from remote lots.
Montage Women’s Club
The Montage Women’s Club is a social and philanthropic club open to all women residing in Lee County. We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month. Our January meeting will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn (Captiva Ballroom), 12600 University Drive, Fort Myers 33908, corner of College Parkway and the Summerlin Road overpass. Meetings begin at 11:30 a.m. with a short social period followed by lunch at noon followed by an informative speaker program and a short business meeting. Within the organization
are various interest groups for members’ participation. Membership is open to both year-round and seasonal residents. We welcome you to visit Montage for a luncheon.
Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, January 23. Our planned speaker for January will be Cecilia St. Arnold, the executive director of Blessings in a Backpack SWFL. This is a program that steps up by feeding children on the weekend; insuring students return to school every Monday morning with an empty
backpack, a full stomach, and an eager mind.
Luncheon fee will be $30 per person, and you always have a choice of either a regular menu entree and/or a vegan/plantbased entree.
If you would like to attend a Montage meeting, need further information, or would like to make a reservation, please call Rita Artwohl at (239) 703-7787. Reservations cutoff to attend this meeting is noon, Thursday, January 16.
Consumer Alert
ALVARO PUIG, CONSUMER EDUCATION SPECIALIST
HOW LONG WILL YOUR SMART DEVICE GET SOFTWARE UPDATES? IT’S HARD TO KNOW
Smart devices are everywhere. Devices track our health and fitness, control our lights and thermostats, and keep an eye on our homes and pets. We pay a premium for the smart features and functionality of these products. But what happens if the manufacturer stops updating the software that makes them “smart”?
Manufacturers of smart products often push out free software updates with new features or bug fixes that can be critical for the product’s smart features to work as intended. As a consumer, knowing how long the manufacturer will update the product software could mean the difference between a product that you want and one you don’t care to have. But an FTC report revealed that many manufacturers don’t make it easy to find that information.
So, before you buy a smart product, consider if it’s worth the price. Search the product website or look on the manufacturer’s website for information about how long the manufacturer will update the software. If you can’t find it, contact the manufacturer by phone, email, or chat.
Consider how the product will work if the manufacturer stops updating the software. For example, a smart light bulb might still work the old-fashioned way, by flipping the
switch, but you won’t be able to control it remotely. But if your smart speaker can’t connect to your music streaming service, it’s not very useful.
If the manufacturer does tell you when the software updates will end, find out whether the manufacturer offers a trade-in or recycling program for used electronics.
Finally, if you buy, or already have, an internetconnected device, learn how to protect it from hackers.
Continental Women’s Club
The Continental Women’s Club will hold its monthly luncheon meeting on Thursday, February 6 at 11:30 a.m. Our planned speaker is still pending final confirmation, but we will definitely have an interesting program for you. Also plans for a special celebration are in the works for March 2025 as this is our 50th Anniversary year.
Meetings are being held at The Hideaway Country Club, 5670 Trailwinds Drive, Fort Myers 33907. The cost to attend the luncheon is $26. Please call Liz Paul at (239) 691-7561 by Tuesday, January 28 for meal selection and to make a reservation for our February 6 meeting.
Continental Women’s Club is a social, cultural, and philanthropic organization established in 1975, and
membership is open to women living in Lee County. We have many special events and interest groups within our club that you can participate in for social and educational purposes throughout the month and the year. In addition, we contribute to many local charities and award two scholarships each year to senior high school girls who plan on furthering their education.
